Blog: Facilities upgrades could have negative impact on CU Buffs track and field program

By Brian Howell, Buffzone.com

Posted:
05/10/2013 10:57:12 AM MDT

Updated:
05/10/2013 11:00:26 AM MDT

Brian Howell, Buffzone.com

As the University of Colorado goes through the long process of upgrading its athletic facilities, one of the biggest questions is surrounding the track and field program.

Eventually, CU would like to have an indoor practice facility for its football team. This week, athletic director Mike Bohn also said it's important for other programs, such as the new women's lacrosse team and the women's soccer team, to have the ability to practice indoors - either in a new facility or the practice bubble currently located on campus.

The track and field team, however, could get left outside.

Bohn said the school is working on the feasibility of an indoor track facility. Currently, the CU program uses Balch Fieldhouse, which opened in the 1930s. Even Bohn acknowledged, "Balch's track, long term, I don't believe is viable."

CU also has an outdoor track on the east side of campus, next to Prentup Field, where the soccer team plays. Bohn, however, said that growth in the academic departments at CU could eventually wipe those facilities out.

"Long-term, our track and soccer complex is going to have buildings built on it associated with the development of east campus," Bohn said. "We have to be thinking long-term with that."

So, where will the track and field team compete? That's a good question.

Bohn then added, "We understand the importance of supporting the track program with some type of workout facility indoors. Whether that's a full track, whether that's a partial track, whether that's other opportunities, whether it's a track within that footprint north of Boulder Creek at some time, those are important things for us to look at long term."

Colorado's track and field program produces some of the best athletes in the country year in and year out. Under the direction of coach Mark Wetmore, the Buffs have made a habit of developing Olympic-caliber athletes.

Because of that success, it ought to be interesting to see how the development of the indoor facilities turns out.

"It is something we continue to look at and pull together," Bohn said. "When we know more, we'll be able to talk about that."

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